Ch. 609                                    1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2)     The complaint may be filed without the oath if the mother or pregnant
woman:

(i)     is dead;

(ii)    refuses to file a complaint;

(iii)   refuses to disclose the identity of the father of the child;

(iv)    is mentally or physically incapable of making an oath; or

(v)     refuses to make the oath.

(3)     If the complaint is filed without an oath under paragraph (2) of this
subsection:

(i) the complainant shall verify the fact of the pregnancy or birth; and

(ii) if the mother or pregnant woman is living, she shall be made a
defendant.

[(g)] (E) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the clerk of
court may not receive a complaint starting paternity proceedings unless the consent of the
State's Attorney is attached to the complaint.

(2)     The consent of the State's Attorney is not required if:

(i) the complaint is filed on behalf of the Administration; or

(ii) after considering testimony or information given by affidavit, or
both, the court:

1.       finds that the complaint is meritorious; and

2.       rules that the consent is not required.

(3)     Except by an order of court for good cause shown, a proceeding under
this subtitle may not be dismissed voluntarily without the consent of the State's Attorney.

5-1011.

(a)     If the complainant is the Administration, or a person approved for child
support services by the Administration, the complainant shall be represented by:

(1)     the Attorney General;

(2)     the State's Attorney, if the State's Attorney has assumed the
responsibility for representation under Title 10, Subtitle 1 of this article; or

(3)     a qualified lawyer representing the Administration who is appointed by
and subject to supervision and removal by the Attorney General.

(b)     For purposes of providing legal representation in a paternity proceeding
under this section, the Administration may approve child support services for a person
who resides out-of-state.

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